The Election Commission’s (EC) ban on political caricatures during the next general election campaign is groundless and does not address the root issue of smear politics, according to Gerakan.

NONE Vice-president Mah Siew Keong disagrees with the ban , saying the EC has “no ground to impose the ban ... as it is essentially unwarranted”.

 

“Gerakan is against the unjustifiable ban as it will deal a blow to freedom of expression, flourishing of ideas as well as creativity in arts that could act as mitigation to the rising political temperature or excessive politicking ...,” said Mah in a statement.

“There are many ways to reproach, discredit or defame a politician other than the use of political caricatures.

“In fact, it is common for unethical act(s) to be used in political seminars with profanity, personal attacks and rhetorical speeches to arouse emotional resonance and political support, but does it means that we will have to ban political seminars for GE13?”

NONE He said the EC should instead address the content of political campaigning, not the medium that carries messages.

“Gerakan holds that the EC should address the wrongful and demeaning content or messages conveyed in all sorts of media by some irresponsible politicians during the political campaign, rather than just prohibiting the use of political caricatures.

“The EC then should hold them responsible for the negative remarks they have made which would be more pivotal in stopping political smears.”

The ban has triggered annoyed responses from BN leaders in particular.